'Heart Wood' revealed as Dulux's 2018 Colour of the Year

UK’s leading paint brand Dulux has unveiled its annual Colour of the Year: Heart Wood, a warm neutral, with a hint of heather. The colour has been revealed alongside key colour predictions for 2018 as part of the brand’s industry-acclaimed trend forecast, ColourFutures, which celebrates a landmark 15 years.

Every year, Dulux gathers a panel of experts from around the globe across a range of industries including architecture, biophilic design, technology and innovation, to form its Global Aesthetic Centre. This team of experts then scour the globe to discover emerging trends and insights around the world and how this impacts the way we live.

Using these insights and a wealth of colour and design knowledge, Dulux has forecast the colour palettes that best reflect the way we want to live as we move into 2018.

THE COLOUR OF THE YEAR – HEART WOOD:The colour for 2018 is inspired by the beautifully warm wooden materials we see being used in all kinds of interior decorating and architecture. A variety of woods are growing in popularity, but we see a tendency towards warmer, light and dark shades of red, alongside violet and pinkish woods. The warmth of wood reflects the comfort that we need in these uncertain times – this material is an essential element for creating the welcoming environments we desire.

THE HEART WOOD HOME:The colour of the year palette allows you to instantly feel at ease, centred around the comforting natural quality of Heart Wood. This trend reflects the importance of cosy wooden tones and since blue remains so fundamental, the colour collection flows beautifully from this year into next. The nourishing warmth of wood and tactile comfort of leather add to this sense of harmony. There is no need for excess – the ‘Heart Wood’ home has everything needed to create real balance.

THE COMFORTING HOME:This trend is your retreat to shut out the noise, your haven to shelter in and your sanctuary to find balance. Relaxed, grown-up luxury is the perfect way to encapsulate the ‘Comforting Home’, with its heritage hints, warm-tone woods and use of natural materials. Rich, welcoming interiors with generously layered textures that offer you a restorative embrace and are filled with colours that enhance architectural features of the home.

THE INVITING HOME:When it comes to the ‘Inviting Home’ trend, comfort and convenience reign supreme. It can be your den to snuggle up in, your nest to grow in and your safe haven to create memories and reflect on old ones. It has an effortless style where everything has a purpose from giant sofas to welcome the whole family to dining tables that gather people to enjoy each other’s company.

THE PLAYFUL HOME:As the name suggests, the Playful Home brings a sense of possibility and energy to your home. It can be your hub to recharge in, your space to create and dream in. Above all it’s about creating a place for drawing inspiration whether from favourite musicians, authors to artists – somewhere to welcome like-minded friends. There is a feeling of real vitality and adventure with pops of colour to create focal points and foliage all around. The space may be small, but the design is clever and resourceful with colour especially used to create different zones in tighter spaces.

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Posted: 13 December 2018

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